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Books > Children's & Educational > Fiction > True stories > General
On the night of February 18, 1952, during one of the worst winter
storms that New England has ever seen, two oil tankers just off the
shore of Cape Cod were torn in half by the force of the storm. This
middle-grade adaptation of an adult nonfiction book tells the story
of a harrowing Coast Guard rescue when four men in a tiny lifeboat
overcame insurmountable odds and saved more than 30 stranded
sailors. This is a fast-paced, uplifting story that puts young
readers in the middle of the action. It's a gripping story of
heroism and survival with the same intensity as the bestselling
book and movie "The Perfect Storm."
A BIG ISSUE BOOK OF THE YEAR This illuminating and defining biography from bestselling author Traci N. Todd, with illustrations from award-winner Christian Robinson, tells the story of Eunice Waymon, who grew up to become Nina Simone - and shares her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy with a new generation. With passion and unparalleled skill, Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson bring this iconic singer's story to young readers and their families. Meet young Eunice, who sang before she could talk, and journey with her from the piano stool she shared with her father in her childhood home, to the bars and concert halls where she became the one and only Nina Simone. Learn about how Nina's voice started out rich and sweet but grew to a thunderous roar as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam. Witness this artist in all her brilliance, singing in protest against racial inequality and discrimination. With rhythmic prose and masterful images, Nina perfectly demonstrates the relationship between art and activism. An essential addition to every young reader's library.
Deeply influenced by her religious beliefs and fired up by the social justice causes of her day, artist, designer, and educator Corita Kent was a nun like no other! A 2022 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf Selection A 2022 ALA Notable Children's Book A Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2021 A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books of 2021 A Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings) Loveliest Children's Book of 2021 A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2022, of Outstanding Merit Nominated for a 2021 Ezra Jack Keats Writing Award Featured in the 2021 Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibition A 2021 NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Children's Nonfiction A Booklist Top Ten Arts Books for Youth of 2021 A CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) Choices Best Children's Book, 2022 Stars from Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and more! Corita Kent (1918-1986) lived a remarkable life as an artist, educator, nun, and activist. Unapologetically holding true to herself and her beliefs, Corita spread a powerful message of love, hope, and justice with her work, as it evolved from figurative and religious art, to serigraphs incorporating the sacred and the ordinary, to a sparser, more introspective style. This timely story will draw readers into the life of a singular woman whose work and commitment invite us all to seek joy in the everyday, to observe the world with open eyes, and to question and see beyond the existing frameworks of society. Thoughtfully written by Matthew Burgess and vibrantly illustrated by Kara Kramer, this beautiful biography, made in close collaboration with the Corita Art Center, includes reproductions of Corita's works, a chronology, and author and illustrator notes.
Rebel, Princess, Suffragette: this is the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century. Born in 1876, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was the daughter of the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. After her father lost control of his empire and was exiled to England, Sophia had a privileged but troubled upbringing that left her unsure about where she belonged - in India or England. Sensitive to injustice, she became an suffragette and fought hard to win the vote for women. This is the extraordinary story of her life.
From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes the historical novel based on the life of Junko Tabei, the first female climber to summit Mount Everest. Junko is bad at athletics. Really bad. She struggles in gym class and on short hikes. Other students laugh because they think she is small and weak. In fourth grade, her teacher Watanabe-Sensei takes her class on a trip to a mountain. It's bigger than any Junko's ever seen, and she's determined to make it to the top. After the trip, Junko becomes a mountaineer in body and spirit. She climbs snowy mountains, rocky mountains, and even faraway mountains outside of her home country of Japan. She joins climbing clubs and befriends fellow climbers as passionate as she is. Then, Junko meets her biggest challenge yet: the tallest mountain in the world.
From the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the chill of the snowy Arctic, come on an intrepid adventure to the world's most extreme places, and find out just what it takes to survive there. Discover how to navigate the vast Australian outback, keep yourself alive in a sandstorm in the Arabian desert, avoid a bear attack in a North American forest, explore the dark depths of the Atlantic Ocean and even perform a spacewalk up in orbit! In this beautiful and bright fully illustrated hardback book, visit 12 incredible and diverse habitats: the Arctic Circle, a North American forest, the Amazon Rainforest, a Pacific desert island, the Alps, the Arabian desert, the African savannah, the Himalayas, the Australian outback, Antarctica, deep in the ocean and high up in space on the International Space Station. Find out how the people, plants and animals who live in these incredible places have learnt to survive, pick up top tips for your own explorations, and discover what you can do to help protect these amazing environments for the future. A thrilling adventure around the world that you won't want to miss! Have you got what it takes to survive?
An amazing tale of heroism and ingenuity, this dramatic picture book tells the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's incredible adventure in the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. August, 1914: Shackleton sets off from England with a team of explorers to walk across the Antarctic and study the icy depths of this little-known and forbidding continent. Sailing through some of the most perilous seas, the Endurance becomes trapped in the deadly pack ice of the Weddell Sea. When the Endurance is eventually crushed between the vast bulk of two floating icebergs, the men are forced to abandon ship and make the dangerous journey across the crushing sea in lifeboats. They reach relative safety on the uninhabited Elephant Island, but an even greater peril faces Shackleton and five other members of the crew... An incredible real-life story of perseverance, resilience and cooperation in the face of adversity, Ice Trap! makes Shackleton's most perilous expedition accessible to a new generation of readers. As we approach the 100th anniversary of Shackleton's death, keep his legacy alive with this exciting and beautifully illustrated telling of his boldest journey.
A heartwarming picture book based on the incredible true story of social media sensation and round-the-world-cyclist Dean Nicholson and his trusty cat companion, Nala. When Dean Nicholson found an abandoned kitten by the side of the road one day, he hadn't bargained on the lessons he'd learn from his unlikely companion, Nala. Both curious, independent, resilient and adventurous, they were a perfect match - and so together, they set off to travel around the world. This inspirational true story, with an underlying message about loving and caring for animals, will show young readers everywhere that you can find friendship in the most unlikely places. With gorgeous illustrations from winner of the Waterstones Gift of the Year, Frann Preston-Gannon, and also featuring photos of Dean and Nala's real-world adventures. Dean and Nala's story has become a social media and publishing phenomenon. Dean's book for adults, Nala's World, spent two weeks on the Sunday Times' bestseller list and has been translated into twenty-five languages.
From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes a historical novel based on the life of Dr. Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist and environmentalist from Kenya. Wangari lives in a magical place in rural Kenya where the soil is rich for planting, the trees abundant, and the nearby pond full of mysterious creatures. She drinks from cool, clean streams and plays beneath her favorite fig tree under her mother's watchful gaze. Then Wangari grows up and goes away to school, and things start changing at home. Farmers chop down the trees. Landslides bury the stream. The pond dries up. The soil becomes overworked, dry, and unusable for planting. And people go hungry. Dr. Wangari Maathai has a simple solution to all of these problems: plant trees.
A beautifully rendered graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Alvaro Sarraseca. It's been years since the Nazis invaded Max Rosen's home country of Poland. All the Jewish people, including Max's fam ily, have been forced to live in a ghetto. At least Max and his sister, Zena, had Papa with them ... until two months ago, when the Nazis took him away. Now Max and Zena are on their own. One day, with barely enough food to survive, the siblings make a dar ing escape from Nazi soldiers into the nearby forest. They are found by Jewish resistance fighters, who take them to a safe camp. But soon, grenades are falling all around them. Can Max and Zena survive the fallout of the Nazi invasion? With art by Alvaro Sarraseca and text adapted by Georgia Ball, Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series takes on vivid new life in this explosive graphic novel edition. Includes non-fiction back matter with historical photos and facts about World War II and the Holocaust. Perfect for: readers who prefer the graphic novel format existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series I Survived graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages.
"Young readers are sure to find inspiration as they read about unique children from all over the world who were able to change the world around them and be encouraged to follow their dreams and fight for what is right." --Booklist Anyone--no matter how young--can make a difference! Meet 50 incredible kids who had a positive impact in their communities . . . and the world. From Picasso, who changed the art world forever, to Malala Yousafzai, the brave teen who was shot for advocating education for girls, the 50 kids profiled in Never Too Young! will inspire and empower young readers. Some, like Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Stevie Wonder, are prominent figures, while others are lesser known though their achievements are just as compelling. They come from a variety of historical periods and backgrounds, and have made an impact in politics, sports, the arts, science, and more. Includes: Louis Armstrong, Louis Braille, Ruby Bridges, Thandiwe Chama, Michael Chang, Nadia Comaneci, Kelvin Doe, Bobby Fisher, Anne Frank, Tavi Gevinson, Om Prakash Gurjar, S.E. Hinton, Askrit Jawal, Joan of Arc, Helen Keller, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pele, Pablo Picasso, Pocahontas, Sacagawea, Shirley Temple, Venus and Serena Williams. Stevie Wonder, Malala Yousafzai, and more!
Adrift on the Antarctic pack ice with no means of escape and no hope of rescue, Ernest Shackleton and his men are surely doomed. In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his men set sail for Antarctica, where they plan to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. In January 1915, his ship, the Endurance, becomes locked in pack ice. Later, it sinks without a trace. To survive, Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men must undertake a trial even more extreme than their planned crossing of the frozen continent. Their aim is to make it home against tremendous odds, with only lifeboats to cross the heavy seas of the South Atlantic - and the life-saving power of Shackleton's extraordinary leadership skills. 'An incredible true story brought to life in a highly readable style.'- Michael Smith, author of Shackleton: By Endurance We Conquer Praise for AMUNDSEN'S WAY & INTO THE WHITE Joanna Grochowicz's narrative non-fiction brings to life characters and events without skimping on historical fact. While the extensive research underpinning the book is apparent, it is the narrative voice that carries us forward. - New Zealand Review of Books Amundsen's Way is a thoroughly enjoyable and readable story about some very brave people coping with horrific challenges. It is ideal for making young readers aware of the pleasures of long-form non-fiction books. - Magpies 'For thrill-seeking middle school students who love nonfiction adventure stories...the adventures of Scott and his crew don't disappoint.' - School Library Journal
Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets... While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere - she even brought a crocodile to school! When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the Natural History Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties - with her komodo dragon as the guest of honour. With a lively text and vibrant illustrations, scientist and writer Patricia Valdez and illustrator Felicita Sala bring to life Joan Procter's inspiring story of passion and determination.
Prepare to be amazed by these incredible tales of human strength and determination in the face of disaster. Read 15 amazing survival stories, and let the exciting narrative text and dramatic illustrations drop you right into the action. Disasters often make the headlines, but this book focusses on the survivors. Find out how these real-life heroes survived volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, wildfires, plane crashes, shark attacks and much more, using only their wits, their determination and the most basic of tools. From the much anticipated 2018 rescue of the 13 Thai boys who were trapped in a cave, to Steve Callahan, who was adrift at sea for 76 days, you'll be astonished by these thrilling stories of survival.
In Detroit, 1945, eleven-year-old Betty's house doesn't quite feel like home. She believes her mother loves her, but she can't shake the feeling that her mother doesn't want her. Church helps those worries fade, if only for a little while. Activists like Paul Robeson stir African Americans in her community to stand up for their rights. Betty finds purpose in volunteering for the Housewives League, which supports black-owned businesses. Soon, the American civil rights icon we now know as Dr. Betty Shabazz is born. Inspired by Betty's real life - but expanded upon and fictionalized in collaboration with novelist Renee Watson - Ilyasah Shabazz illuminates four years in her mother's childhood with this book, painting an inspiring portrait of a girl grappling with self-acceptance and belonging that will resonate with young readers today.
The phenomenal bestseller A Street Cat Named Bob, featuring best friends James and street cat Bob, now available as a special edition for children aged 11 and above. 'We are all given second chances every day of our lives, but we don't usually take them. Then I met Bob.' James Bowen was a homeless musician, busking on the streets of London to survive. But the moment he met an injured stray cat with ginger fur and big green eyes, his life began to change. Together James and Bob the cat faced the world - and won. A purrfectly true 'tail' of love and friendship to make you smile! Please note contains some drug references.
Prepare to meet 66 exceptionally brave adventurers in this celebration of monumental achievements from around the world. Mountaineers, conquerors, explorers, sailors, pilots and many others who accomplished amazing feats of bravery and triumph are waiting to be discovered in Simon Cheshire's outstanding, Epic Tales of Triumph and Adventures, vibrantly illustrated by Fatti Burke. These are the astonishing true stories of just a few of the world's most daring men and women who defied all odds to achieve their goals and make their dreams come true. Drive across the world, avoiding danger around every corner, with Aloha Wanderwell on The Million Dollar Wager, dive to the deepest depths of the dark and unexplored ocean with Jacques Piccard, climb to the highest peak of Mount Everest with Junko Tabei or tumble over Niagara Falls in a barrel with Annie Edson Taylor. There is no adventure too big or small for this fearless group of men and women! This collection of outstanding adventurers is sure to inspire the next generation of courageous risk takers. With bright and vibrant artwork from the effortlessly talented Fatti Burke, Epic Tales of Triumph and Adventure will make you want to reach for the stars . and don't let anyone stand in your way!
In Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code, Ada uses her incredible imagination to dream up technology that could have jump-started the digital age nearly two hundred years ago. In fact, she writes what will become the world's first programming language. As a child, Ada is curious about everything. She is obsessed with machines and creatures that fly, even going so far as to write her own book about them called "Flyology." Along with her cat, Mistress Puff, Ada gets into all sorts of trouble. According to her mother, Ada is a bit too wild and her imagination could benefit from some discipline, so she puts Ada into a rigorous syllabus of mathematics, languages, and geography. When Ada comes out in London's high society, she is invited to the most popular soiree in town, hosted by the renowned inventor Charles Babbage. It is there that she encounters a mysterious machine which unlocks a future full of possibilities. But she can't escape marriage forever, and soon finds herself a wife with three children. She aches to study math again, to stand on the same ground as the eccentric inventor she met so many years ago. She hires tutors to teach her absolutely everything about math and numbers, before joining Babbage in his mechanical world. This is the story of a pioneer in the computer sciences, which is now a multibillion-dollar industry, but it's also proof that women have the intellectual capacity to make invaluable contributions to the Science Technology Engineering & Math world. Also included is further information on Ada's legacy today and activities based on simple coding and mathematical concepts.
The Great Alaska Earthquake is the largest and most powerful recorded earthquake in US history. Lauren Tarshis's story of one child surviving this terrifying natural disaster pounds with page-turning action and heartwarming hope. It was 1964 in the brand-new state of Alaska, a vast land of staggering beauty and heart-stopping dangers. Eleven-year-old Jack had grown up living happily with his parents in an off-the-grid cabin, miles from their closest neighbors. Grizzlies and wolves outnumbered people, and dark winter days were 30 degrees below zero. Jack had always thought of himself as strong -- “Alaska tough”. But then the most powerful earthquake in American history -- the Good Friday Earthquake -- struck. The 9.2 magnitude quake lasted nearly five minutes, destroying downtown Anchorage and sending 30-foot tsunamis into coastal cities, wiping out entire communities. Its vibrations were felt around the world. In the end, it caused billions of dollars in damage and the death of 129 people. New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tells the story of the disaster that changed our understanding of earth science -- and tested one boy in ways he never could have imagined. Includes a section of nonfiction backmatter with more facts and photos about the real-life event.
Josh Sundquist had only ever had one girlfriend. For 23 hours. In eighth grade. Why was Josh still single? To find out, he tracked down the girls he had tried to date and asked them straight up: What went wrong? We Should Hang Out Sometime is the the result of Josh's semi-scientific, wholly hilarious investigation. From a disastrous putt-putt date involving a backwards prosthetic foot to his introduction to CFD (Close Fast Dancing) to a misguided "grand gesture" at a Miss America pageant, this story is about looking for love-or at least a girlfriend-in all the wrong places. We Should Hang Out Sometime is for every person who has ever wondered, "is there something wrong with me?" (the answer, by the way, is "no"). By revisiting middle school, high school, and college experiences, inspirational speaker Josh Sundquist shares what it was like to grow up as "the guy with one leg." Interspersed with the author's black-and-white line art, this real life story will appeal to fans of The Fault In Our Stars and Ned Vizzini's Teen Angst.
Norman John Gillies was one of the last children ever born on St Kilda, five years before the whole population was evacuated forever to the British mainland. People had lived on these islands for over four thousand years, developing a thriving, tightly-knit society that knew nothing of crime or money, and took care of its weakest members without hesitation. At the mercy of the seasons and the elements, a unique lifestyle evolved, based around resilience, mutual trust and caring. What was it like to grow up in such harsh conditions? Why and how did this ancient way of life suddenly cease in 1930? Where did the islanders go, and what became of them? And what became of Norman John, child of St Kilda? Shortlisted for The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2020.
A miraculous survival. An extraordinary faith. Autumn 1755. Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. Until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French-Indian War, and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre. The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by a band of Allegheny warriors. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again. 'This is a well-written adventure told from the point of view of an intelligent, observant, and mature girl on the brink of adolescence.' ---Publishers Weekly
From foremost radio and television broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, and Kate Greenaway Medal-winner P. J. Lynch, comes a picture book about President John F. Kennedy's return to his ancestral home in Ireland. When the much-loved President visited Ireland in 1963, he described it as the best four days of his life and, for a generation of Irish people, it was a trip they never forgot. In this warmly told, big-hearted picture book, Ryan captures the fevered excitement in the build-up to JFK's visit - all evoked through the eyes of a young boy called Patrick who wants to know, more than anything, what it would feel like to shake the President's hand... Rooted in historical fact, and marking the centenary of JFK's birth, this feast of a book offers readers a very pure and personal take on JFK's visit to County Wexford and includes a time line in the back matter. |
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